How to Determine if Its Time for an AC Repair or Replacement

When your air conditioner in Rock Hill stops working, it can be hard to know if it’s an occasion for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a greater option for the future. The answer isn’t the same for every homeowner. For example, a system that has been well maintained could be a better candidate for an AC repair because it will probably have a longer lifetime than another system that hasn’t been serviced. Many other factors should be taken into account additionally to this. We’ve got some questions that can help direct you.

How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?

The age of your air conditioner is a large factor in your choice to call for an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Dated systems usually don’t operate as efficiently as they did when they were new—and especially not as efficiently as a new, energy-efficient model. Actually, you could lower your energy consumption by more than you may know if you replace your aged system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Most often, this savings will support investment in a replacement system.

So how old is “too old”? That can differ based on your particular equipment and how well it’s been cared for, but Energy Star recommends upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your existing central air conditioner is more than 10 years old.

Beyond your unit’s age, check out your AC repair history. If your system has stopped working a few times, it’s prone to fail again—this scenario can end up costing you more money in the long run. When you take into account possible rebates and increased efficiency, is a new system going to be more economical in the end?

Many experts suggest following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your system by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, replace the system. If it’s less, just get the repair.

Here are some other questions you should consider:

Is your house comfortable enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t working properly.

Are your energy bills spiking without extra usage? This is a sign that your air conditioner is failing.

Is your system properly sized? If your unit is too small for your home, it can’t run efficiently. Likewise, if you’ve recently taken measures to make your home more energy efficient, your system can essentially be bigger than you need to cool a very efficient home.

If you’re unclear about if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to think about a replacement, US Air Heating and Cooling can help! Our professionals can help you establish how much life is left in your system and what the top option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 803-220-0761 to setup an appointment for us to come out.

With more than 100 years in existence, Lennox has continuously offered industry-leading innovation and technology while preserving strict durability and reliability standards. The professionals at US Air Heating and Cooling help bring those standards to Rock Hill so that you can always have total home comfort. If you’re searching for a new HVAC system or even if you just have a question about what we carry, give us a call at 803-220-0761 or set up an appointment with us online. We’d love to hear from you.